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KTBG’s Ownership Officially Transfers to Public Broadcaster KCPT

Contact: Jeff MurphyWARRENSBURG, MO (Dec. 18, 2013) - Launching a new relationship with
Kansas City Public Television/KCPT that includes opportunities for University of Central Missouri students and the university, UCM has officially transferred ownership of KTBG 90.9 FM The Bridge to KCPT. The transfer was finalized once the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved KCPT’s request to purchase the license to broadcast on the 90.9 FM frequency.

KCPT is planning a public launch of The Bridge at 7 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2014. Between Dec. 17, 2013 and Jan. 6 The Bridge will broadcast a limited format, as radio engineers fine tune the signal atop a new broadcast tower, which is closer to
Kansas City. The Bridge will also launch a new website on Jan. 6 at www.Bridge909.org.

UCM and KCPT jointly announced the intention to transfer ownership of KTBG-FM in April 2013 after a letter of intent was signed by the UCM Board of Governors. The decision to sell the public radio station was made after carefully considering the university’s overall mission and academic and administrative reviews, which addressed the institution’s future financial and strategic priorities.

According to UCM President Charles Ambrose, the agreement with KCPT establishes a structure in which both parties can explore opportunities that will benefit UCM students and KCPT’s audiences. As an example of the collaboration, KCPT and UCM will offer a broad range of internships for UCM students that will provide firsthand learning experiences in many different areas. Additionally, selected UCM programming produced by KMOS-TV, the university’s public television station, will be aired on KCPT television platforms.

“We are grateful for KCPT partners like CEO and President Kliff Kuehl who understand the value of experiential learning, and are willing to open new doors for UCM students,” said Charles Ambrose, UCM president. “This is a unique opportunity to expose our students to a major metropolitan media market while they have learning experiences working for an outstanding public broadcaster.”

He added, “KTBG has many loyal listeners, and supporters, and we know KCPT is committed to making this a smooth transition, providing the audience with the quality music format they now enjoy on The Bridge. We thank everyone for their past support of UCM’s public radio station, and encourage them to stay tuned to
90.9 FM for exciting opportunities to come from KCPT.”

KCPT President/CEO Kliff Kuehl said, “Bringing The Bridge to Kansas City is a part of KCPT’s long-term plan to increase our value to the local community. We tell over 700 local stories each year on KCPT’s three broadcast channels, and we recently launched a digital newsroom with The Hale Center for Journalism at KCPT to tell even more stories.”

He added, “The addition of The Bridge allows us to connect the Kansas City music community with other organizations and individuals involved in making this a better place to live and work.”

The sale of KTBG-FM has no direct impact on KMOS-TV. The university will continue its focus on making the public television station a quality resource for PBS programming and local productions. KMOS-TV will continue to provide experiential learning opportunities for UCM students who want to enter the broadcasting field.